"According to an inside source, a session was held at Microsoft's recent TechReady15 conference in which all the launch details were laid out. If things go according to the plan detailed then, the Surface for Windows RT tablet will be launching October 26th - no surprise there - at a compelling price of $199." My wallet just squealed in pure bliss.

I guess it would be compelling if you are already into the Microsoft archipelago (I won't call Xbox, Zune, Windows Phone, and the desktop where none can run each others programs an ecosystem). The Lumias looked good too. The Nexus has to have a razor thin margin, but the Surface at $199 must be a loss-leader.

I assume this is to try to get developers to port or write applications. That is both a chicken-and-egg problem as well as resistance with Microsoft mutating the API. Developers waiting won't be fatal, but will leave it in limbo for a while. The XBox eventually became profitable but it took years.

I don't think Microsoft can do an "iPad". It will need OEMs to provide windows phones and tablets with different features others might want - different screen sizes, cameras, connections and ports. Just the Surface and nothing else beyond won't work to create the necessary network effects. And I think MS has annoyed OEMs enough that Windows not-on-PC which was a 2nd tier will drop even further.

If you are already part of the Apple ecosystem, you are going to spend the extra to buy the iOS device. Apple itself already had a big boost with iTunes music and video, and even at that they have a Windows port.

Will the Surface play nice with the Apple ecosystem? Any better than Android?

There are slick and fancy machines, but what do you need to actually do the things you want? There are some who love their windows phone - but it is because the apps already there meet their needs the best.